Aberbargoed Buds - 0

Abergavenny Town FC - 1

TOWN shrugged off the disappointment of two consecutive defeats and returned to winning ways at Aberbargoed’s windswept Recreation Ground last Saturday.

Looking bright from the start and quickly mastering gale-like conditions, Town produced a classic away performance, in a match during which they denied their hosts any meaningful shot on goal.

Town’s lead came as quickly as the 14th minute, when the Buds goal-keeper had difficulty handling an astute cross from Dan Hartland, and when he dropped the ball at the feet of Rhys Tandy, Town’s marksman had the easiest of chances from point blank range.

Town proceeded to batter their hosts, and only a series of saves, blocks and the post and crossbar prevented Town increasing their lead, much to the bewilderment of the healthy number of travelling supporters.

After the break it was more of the same, with Dan Hartland and Richard Jeremiah both going very close, but that elusive second goal would not come, as Town continued to boss the game in every department. In the end Town had to settle for a 0-1 win, but this came with three very welcome points, much to the delight of Phil Hemmings, leading the side in the absence of Ben Bannon, as Town move up to fourth in the table, and are very much in the mix with other promotion challengers.

Without a fixture on Saturday, Town will have to wait until the following Saturday before they can resume their promotion charge, travelling to current leaders Monmouth Town FC in what will surely be the match of the day in Division Two.

Meanwhile Town’s reserve side returned from Cwmbran Celtic empty handed as two first half goals sealed their fate, but with new player /manager Ross Melrose pleased his side held out in the second half. Like the first team the reserves are also without a fixture on Saturday, following the demise of Risca United’s second string who have pulled out of the league, but despite the defeat at Cwmbran, they also are in fourth place in the league, and will be raring to go reports Melrose, in their next outing which is under lights at Caldicot Town on Wednesday, March 13 (7.30pm).

Town’s Youth side’s fixture at Treharris last Sunday was called off.